Amritsar:
BSF personnel deployed along the border with Pakistan have seized heroin worth Rs 65 crore, an automatic pistol and a magazine that are suspected to have been smuggled in from the neighbouring country.
The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of BSF's Amritsar Sector, M F Farooqui, told reporters in Amritsar today that the recovery was carried out near Mullakot border out-post and the seized pistol was a replica of an AK-47 assault rifle.
Giving details of the incident, Farooqui said BSF troops deployed in the area observed some suspicious movement on both sides of the fence late last night.
The smugglers from both sides reached near the fence and tried to exchange goods.
On being challenged, the smugglers fired at the BSF troops, who fired back in retaliation.
After a brief exchange of fire, the smugglers fled the spot taking advantage of darkness.
During follow-up searches this morning, 13 kgs of heroin, worth Rs 65 crore in street markets, a pistol and a magazine were recovered, Farooqui said.
The Border Security Force DIG said vigil has been heightened on the border areas in view of the upcoming parliamentary elections.